WELL-BEHAVED TROOPS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3131, 9 July 1917, Page 6

WELL-BEHAVED TROOPS

REPORT ABOUT THE TWENTY- . SECONDS. Writing to Mr. C. H. Adams, eecrotary. of the Cliurch of England Men's hkioiety in Christcnurch, the officer commanding a section of the Twenty-second Eeinforceinents on the voyage Homo writes: — "For some time past in New Zealand there has been grave misunderstanding concerning tho conduct of New Zealand troops aboard transports. Enclosed pleaso find qopy of report forwarded to mo by Mr. Kenner, field secretary for tho Y.M.C.A. I may safely say that the conduct of tho troops on this ship, under my command, is quite analogous to that of other troops in other New Zealand transports. The report itself will explain tho reason why I am forwarding it to you."" ...

Mr.-Kenner's report is as follows:— "Sir,—Aβ the voyage draws to an w<l, I desire to thank you for tho courtesies which I have- received at 'your hands, and also for your willingness to co-operate in any proposals in tho interests of tlie men. Tlie conduct of the troops as a body has, in my opinion, been oxomplary, both on the troopship and at ports of c:ill, nud I consider that this has been largely due to tho high standard of discipline maintained at all times by yourself and officers. Not onco have the troops displayed a tendency to get out of hand. They rcaliso that you have their interests at heart, and respond to your appeal-by example as well as precept—to 'play the game' iwidor all circumstances. Wo all know that 'Satan will find misohief etui for idlo bands to do,' and therefore cue feels bound to commend the coimsteut manner in whicli the troops have been provided with occupation. Tho best imtidote to the monotony of a lengthy voyage—ours has extended over a period of nearly there months—is a w?r-plauned roster of sports and entertainments.- In this connection a sympathetic O C. muy wield a big influence. Smch has been tlie experience of the present voj ugc. Adequate facilities have also been provided for the religious work on lward, and wherever possible shore parades or visiting chaplains have been arranged for. After the men lmd spent four <hye uehoro I wns informed by prominent dtr'.ens that the contingent was one of the K.ost orderly that had ever visited the roit. Townspeople showed their apprecii.bon by extending magnificent liospitalitv, both collectively and individually. During cur stay of five days at another port we or'anised a football match, in w'lieh a New Zealand team defeated an Australian fifteen, and an indoor athletic carnival was held, in which our representatives won most of the important evciils. The citizens were most hospitable in entertaining our men. Tho twelve days spent in another harbour without el , ore leave was a trying period, but by dint of energetic catering for the >vel».ave of the men they were prevented f rom bncoming discontented. On the first Sunday the Anglican Bishop came out and cenducted divine service. On! the ftoond Sunday wo had visits from the (japtaiii of anotlior vessel and from a representative of tho Eoman Catholic Church. Tho band of an Australian transport and an orchestra came on board, to the intense delight of tho men, while a concert party from our vessel went to She oilier transport and provided a concert, which was voted to bo 'the best of the voynge.' W-J also had two most enjoyable anil profitable lectures. I have only to add Hiat with the men as a whole I deeply appreciate Che conditions under which we have voyaged in the troopship. I would further express tho wi?h, sir, that ycu.r carefr on active service may bo as successful as, in my opinion, your deep sense of duty merits.'l feel, too, that nunreciation should also be expressed of tho cordial relationships wliicb have existed."